Sunday Sermons

By Central ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Sunday Sermons episodes

April 04, 2022 Walking Through My Area
Walking Through My Area

John 4:1-7

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). 3 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” John 4:1-7
What if we, as followers of Jesus, were known for our kind words to other people?
All of us have to go through Samaria to get to where God wants you to go in life

Samaria= some area

Three things that we need to wrap our minds around as we walk through some area:
1. There needs to be clear repentance

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

2. You need to understand that if God wants you to walk through some area, it might not be easy, but it’s always right

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:9-11
3. You have to be open to walking through the area God wants you to go through
39 min
March 28, 2022 Habits #5: Invite Boldly
Habits Week #5

Invite Boldly

Exodus 2:1-10

Attend Regularly-
The habit of making church a priority

Give Generously-
The habit of giving back from what God has given me

Connect Relationally-
The habit of experiencing life change by engaging in authentic relationships

Serve Purposefully-
The habit of sharing my gifts and talents to further the mission of Central to connect people to Jesus and each other

Invite Boldly-
The habit of intentionally and personally sharing Central’s services and events

For the son of man came to seek and save those that were lost. Luke 19:10

Who would you be willing to invite if you knew that God was in complete control?

1. We have to understand that Jesus draws people to Himself in His time, not ours

Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Exodus 2:1-4

2. We need to trust that God is in control

Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. Exodus 2:5-6

3. Realize that it's time to take action

Statistics show that 40-50% of un-churched and de-churched people would attend a church if simply invited by someone they know.

Often times, Christians use prayer as an excuse for inactivity

Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” Exodus 2:7-10

Inviting boldly sometimes requires taking a chance or taking a risk

Who would you be willing to invite if you knew that God was in complete control?
38 min
March 21, 2022Habits #4: Serve Purposefully
Habits Week #4

Serve Purposefully

Luke 10:25-37
Everybody knows what the church is against, not many people know what it stands for!

Followers of Jesus Christ purposefully serve other people

Every person here is called, gifted, equipped, and empowered to serve
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29

IN ORDER TO “SERVE PURPOSEFULLY”, WE MUST EMBRACE 2 BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES:

1. We’ve got to learn to see people as Jesus sees people.
Followers of Jesus change. If you’re not changing, you’re not following!
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. Luke 10:30-31
Our Bible studies should propel us to action and not arrogance
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Luke 10:32-33

2. We’ve got to respond when Jesus leads.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:34-35

3 WAYS TO BE INVOLVED IN YOUR LOCAL CHURCH:

A. Spiritual involvement

B. Physical involvement
3 Questions you can ask to ask yourself in regards to serving:

What do I enjoy

What am I good at

If I could do anything and know I wouldn’t fail, what would I do?

You need the local church to help you develop your gift.
C. Financial involvement

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37
42 min
March 14, 2022 Habits #3: Connect Relationally
3/13/22 - Week 3

Connect Relationally

Galatians 5:13-26; Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Connect Relationally: “The habit of experiencing life change by engaging in authentic relationships.

2 Barriers We Experience Relating To ‘Connect Relationally’:

1. It takes up our unobligated time

2. We’re uncomfortable interacting with new people

We were designed for connection

“To Connect”: When you’re consistently meeting with a group of people who are committed to seeking Jesus and practicing the “One-Anothers” together.

“One-Anothers” of Scripture:

“Love one another…” ~John 13:34

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” ~Romans 12:10

“Serve one another humbly in love.” ~Galatians 5:13

“...Bearing with one another in love” ~Ephesians 4:2

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for each other.” ~James 5:16

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:11

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ~Galatians 5:13-14

1. When we connect, we’re being obedient to God.

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. ~John 17:20-23

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ~Galatians 5:16-17

2. When we connect, we begin to value what God values.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ~Ephesians 4:2-6

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~Hebrews 10:24-25

10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

Jesus died so that we could all be together in His presence

For that reason, we need to practice!

What we value will ultimately determine what we do.

What are we valuing above being together?

3. When we connect, we bear fruit

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ~Galatians 5:22-26

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. ~Proverbs 27:17

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

4. When we connect, we have support

Question #1: Do you need an Ecclesiastes 4 friend, or are you now called to BE an Ecclesiastes 4 friend?

Question #2: What barrier, misplaced value, or fear is holding you back from Connecting Relationally in the Church?
44 min
March 07, 2022Habits #2: Give Generously
Habits - Week 2

Give Regularly

Matthew 6:19-24
Give Generously. That is, the habit of giving back from what God has given to me
1. What does the Bible say about money?

Q. Why does the Bible have so much to say about money?

A. Because money is the #1 competitor to your heart when it comes to you following Jesus

When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. 3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. Genesis 4:2-5
God doesn’t want our leftovers
3 WAYS YOU CAN GIVE GENEROUSLY:

a. The Tithe. The tithe is 10% of your gross income every year

b. The offering. That is anything above the tithe

c. Sacrificially. That is when you see a need and you meet a need

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:6-10

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:23-24

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. Matthew 23:23

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Luke 16:10-15

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. John 12:1-6
What you value will determine what you do
All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:34-35

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 1 Corinthians 16:2-3

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

2. Who or what does my wallet say that I worship?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:21-24

WE WANT TO HELP YOU PRAY THROUGH ONE OF THREE STEPS TODAY:

1. Surrender

2. Become Strategic

3. Sacrifice
You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving
48 min
February 28, 2022 Habits #1: Attend Regularly
Habits - Week #1

Attend Regularly

Revelation 2:1-7; Acts 18:8-20; Hebrews 10:25

Attend Regularly- The habit of making church a priority

What we value will ultimately determine what we do

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: 2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. 4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Revelation 2:1-5

1. The Church should value Evangelism

Evangelism is simply telling someone about Jesus Christ

Church culture says, “contain Jesus.” The Bible says, “proclaim Jesus.”

Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months, arguing persuasively about the Kingdom of God. 9 But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for the next two years, so that people throughout the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord. 11 God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled. 13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered. Acts 19:8-16

2. The Church should esteem Jesus

The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Acts 19:17

If we esteem something more than Jesus, we are not going to grow in our relationship with Jesus

What we lift up, we will live out

3. The church should be eager to live for Him

Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. Acts 19:18

We need to be more obsessed with our repentance rather than our reputation

A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect. Acts 19:19-20

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give the right to eat from the tree of life which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
47 min
February 21, 2022 Stepping Out with Courage to Our Destination
2/20/22

Stepping Out with Courage to Our Destination

When you see what God wants you to see, you can do what God wants you to do.

29 Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, 31 and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” 32 In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, 33 who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go. ~Deuteronomy 1:29-33

When we see God correctly, it puts our difficulties in perspective.

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. ~Joshua 1:1-2

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”

3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. ~Joshua 1:3-5

When we move into our next steps, the challenge is to walk in victory rather than being hesitant.

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:6-7

When the finish line seems to be out of sight we need to push ourselves through the obstacle that’s in the way.

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:8-9

When we are able to contend with the challenges that seem to be beyond our strength to handle; at the moment, we can grow.

16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” ~Joshua 1:16 NIV

We will never expand our capabilities until we are pushed to and brought face-to-face with our breaking point.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. 6 So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ~Hebrews 13:5-8

The challenge that is before each of us is to step out of our comfort zone and reach the destination that God has for us.
35 min
February 14, 2022 All Aboard the Peace Express
All Aboard week #6

All Aboard the Peace Express

Mark 3:1-6; John 11:45-48; Matthew 26:39; Matthew 27:45-46

Peace is not an absence of problems, but rather perspective on how the story ends

4 things that rob us from the peace of God

1. A hard heart

A hard heart is somebody that knows what God wants to do in them and through them, and says, no

The more religious your background, the more likely your heart is to be hard

Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. 2 Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus’ enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man’s hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Mark 3:1-3

Jesus doesn’t tear you down, Jesus builds you up

Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him. 5 He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! Mark 3:4-5

Religious people don't mind if miracles happen, as long as it fits within their system

At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus. Mark 3:6

Religious people don't mind breaking God's commandments when you break theirs

2. Control

Control is the greatest illusion in the universe

Following Jesus is about freedom. Religion is about control and manipulation

Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. 48 If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.” John 11:45-48

So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. John 11:53

3. Misunderstanding

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39

4. Dishonesty

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 46 At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Matthew 27:45-46

You cannot step into healing until you’re honest
35 min
February 07, 2022 All Aboard for My Next Step
All Aboard Week #5

All Aboard for My Next Step

Acts 8:26-38

Christianity is not about climbing ladders, but about taking steps

No one who has a defect qualifies, whether he is blind, lame, disfigured, deformed, 19 or has a broken foot or arm, 20 or is hunchbacked or dwarfed, or has a defective eye, or skin sores or scabs, or damaged testicles. Leviticus 21: 18-20

As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” Acts 8:26

Sometimes we can miss out on the step God wants us to take because we want an explanation

So he started out, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the Kandake, the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. Acts 8:27-28

Everyone has a next step.

What is your next step?

It would be a tragedy for the church to take it’s next step and us as individuals not take our step

The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Acts 8:29

Jesus will always tell us our next step. However, He won’t tell us two or three or four steps down the road, because if He did, we might not do it.

Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31

Do you know:

1. God’s Grace covers you

2. You are not a screw up

3. God still believes in you

If you’re not dead, God’s not done!

The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 33 He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus. Acts 8:32-35

At Central, we want people to know what we’re for, not what we’re against

As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:36-38
36 min
January 31, 2022 Gracefully Broken
All Aboard Week #4
Gracefully Broken
Mark 6:30-44
Brokenness oftentimes leads to blessing
The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. 32 So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. 33 But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. 34 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:30-34
We always want Jesus to have compassion on us, we just don’t want Him to have compassion on people who are different than us
Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. 36 Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.” Mark 6:35-36
If we’re not careful, we will send the people away that Jesus called us to reach and disguise it as concern for those same people.
But Jesus said, “You feed them.” “With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!” 38 “How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.” They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” 39 Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. 41 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. 42 They all ate as much as they wanted, 43 and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. 44 A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed. Mark 6:37-44
The process was: He took it, He blessed it, He broke it, He gave it
35 min

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